The Renaissance period was the rise or rebirth of creativity following the "Dark Ages". It has become known as one of the most creative and influential periods in all of history. Paintings went from being flat and without depth to being more realistic and human, similar to the perfection of form seen in the Greek and Roman art periods.

Renaissance art concentrated on precise proportions, realistic perspective, the addition of shading and lighting to truly bring the painting to life. Artwork was commissioned not only by the church, but also aristocrats and nobility as the economy had recovered and more people had the means to secure portraits and art great works to showcase their wealth.

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Did you know?

It took Michelangelo four years to paint the Sistine Chapel.  He was paid 3000 ducats, which would amount to approximately $78,000 dollars in today’s terms.